And this was also a case of dynamic pricing. Originally declined an OLCI offer that was slightly more ($857), then accepted when I got to the airport and had to check a bag. Change of mind had more to do with regretting the original decline and less to do with the $28 cost differential.

The plane was only a little over half full, and BF was less than half full, so I'm wondering if they got more desperate as we got closer to the departure time.

My return flight is also very empty. It will be interesting to see what they offer me on the way home.

And this was also a case of dynamic pricing. Originally declined an OLCI offer that was slightly more ($857), then accepted when I got to the airport and had to check a bag. Change of mind had more to do with regretting the original decline and less to do with the $28 cost differential.

The plane was only a little over half full, and BF was less than half full, so I'm wondering if they got more desperate as we got closer to the departure time.

My return flight is also very empty. It will be interesting to see what they offer me on the way home.

OK. Is N an economy fare? If so, that makes sense. My return trip is listed as K. Is it common to have different fare classes coming vs going?

Sorry, but I'm a bit of a novice here (obviously).

Yes different segments can have different fares. N is UA's cheapest published fare class. K is the third cheapest. So it sounds like you're on a well-discounted fare, making the $829 buy-up, ordinarily a bit high for Y-C, not such a bad deal.

I've got a quick question and sorry if this has been asked and answered. If I get an upsell to purchase an upgrade using miles and do so, would that flight still be eligible for earning miles and PQMs.

If so, would I earn miles at my originally booked class rate or my upgraded class rate?